Compound Butter

It's the most wonderful time of the year and a lot of us are busy with holiday parties, work events and even casual get-togethers. While it's quick and easy to grab a bottle of wine to take over to a friend's house, I sometimes find myself inspired to give them something a little more personal.

I always appreciate little thoughtful gestures from friends and a homemade hostess gift is one of the ways I love to have my friends feel all warm and fuzzy too.

This recipe for compound butter is so quick and easy and it's a great addition to any holiday table as well. I like to use it as a finishing touch on roasted potatoes, boiled vegetables or with freshly baked bread. Make it for yourself, make it for others...either way it's a crowd pleaser and an easy and delicious way to take your dinner to the next level.

Rosemary Compound Butter

Preparation time: 10 minutes Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

½ cup salted butter

3 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, removed from the stem and chopped

Method:

Step One Leave the butter at room temperature to soften about 30 minutes to an hour

Step Two Mix the butter and rosemary in a bowl, combining with a spatula

Step Three  Spoon the mixture on to a sheet of parchment paper and roll it into a log shape

Step Four Tie the ends off with string or twist off the ends

Lemon and Shallot Compound Butter

Preparation time: 10 minutes Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

½ cup salted butter

2 tablespoons of fresh lemon zest

1 small shallot, finely diced

 

Method:

Step One Leave the butter at room temperature to soften for about 30 minutes to an hour

Step Two Mix the butter, lemon and shallots in a bowl, combining with a spatula

Step Three Spoon the mixture on to a sheet of parchment paper and roll it into a log shape

Step Four Tie the ends off with string or twist off the ends